Speech Recognition Options For RSI Sufferers

If you have difficulty using a standard keyboard and mouse on your computer, due to repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other disability, speech recognition (or voice recognition – the terms are largely interchangeable) is a viable alternative to using your hands to control your computer.

Speech recognition has come a long way in recent years, and now boasts very high accuracy and speaker independence so that very little voice training is required.

If you’re interested in exploring the possibilities of speech recognition technology, check out the links below, as well as the list of available speech recognition programs in the following section:

Computing Out Loud – This site is intended to help people using speech recognition software, and is brought to you by Susan Fulton, a longtime user of speech recognition and assorted gadgets for easier, less painful computing. Lots of solid information here.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking is the most accurate speech recognition product ever developed – delivering up to 99-percent accuracy! No other product delivers the power, accuracy, and ease-of-use that make Dragon NaturallySpeaking the ideal solution for the PC enthusiast or home office user! Talk to your computer and your words instantly and accurately appear in Microsoft Word and Excel, Corel WordPerfect, and virtually all Windows-based applications. Listen to incoming e-mail and documents read aloud. Search the Web by speaking URLs and links. Use dictation shortcuts that enable you to insert blocks of texts or bitmaps – such as your name, title, and signature – with a single voice command. Dictate directly into a PC or any approved handheld digital recorder. A noise-canceling microphone is included.

Work faster and more productively by voice! The system replaces slow and tedious typing with the simplicity of using your voice to turn speech into text at up to 160 words per minute. Create e-mail, instant messages, documents and spreadsheets more than 3 times faster than typing. Plus, you can use your voice to start programs, use menus and surf the web on your PC.

IBM ViaVoice is a feature-rich voice recognition product designed for experienced PC users. Supports dictation and correction into SpeakPad and supported applications within Microsoft Office, and direct dictation into a host of other PC applications. Also includes cross-application use of customized macros, and support for selected digital handheld recorders. On the Internet, dynamic navigation of the Web allows ViaVoice users to access Web sites merely by speaking the link name, while navigating to bookmarks with a simple voice command. Natural Language Commands and Voice Navigation macros provide Command and Control to navigate within the supported operating system and within many popular Windows applications.

A new IBM speech engine with improved background noise adaptation, first used in the IBM ViaVoice for Windows product line in the Release 10 portfolio, can result in greater dictation and voice command accuracy.

User control of background noise sensitivity for easier adjustment to your environment.

Command and control IBM ViaVoice, your desktop, and PC applications with your voice–just say the command name to activate menu options, lists, and buttons.

Customized “voice shortcut” commands can now be used in multiple PC programs.

Say-Now is a comprehensive voice and speech recognition program to use your voice for command & control of your computer and dictation. Reduce or eliminate mouse clicks or keyboard input. Open Web sites, documents, or programs using your voice. Perform navigation and editing functions simply by speaking. Dictate letters, memos, and email messages. Begin talking to your PC now using your voice. Say-Now voice features a rich set of predefined voice commands and is based on the latest speech technologies from Microsoft. Import hundreds of commands for Microsoft Office and other Windows programs and games. Create your own commands for the software that you use. The program includes synthesized speech prompts and audio feedback. A variety of graphic application skins and options let you customize your Say-Now voice experience. Say-Now voice includes integrated text-to-speech capabilities enabling the computer to have a voice to read websites, documents, and email messages to you.

VR Commander is a sophisticated voice command and control program that adds a voice interface to virtually any windows based application. At its core is an industry leading Continuous Speech, Command and Control Voice Recognition Engine. It even supports Bluetooth microphones! VR Commander’s main uses are for command and control of: Games and Simulators, CAD Applications, and Business Applications like PowerPoint or Outlook. VR Commander enjoys several unique features:

Incredible voice recognition accuracy – The same technology as used on fighter aircraft!

Speaker Independent – No voice training required

Noise rejection technology built in – Works in noisy environments – even supports bluetooth headsets

I would like to see VoxCommando on your list of available speech recognition software. VoxCommando enables control of media applications like WMC, XBMC, MediaMonkey, iTunes and more. With VoxCommando you can create custom commands and macros, including keyboard and mouse emulation. VoxCommando is free to try.

Here is another great speech recognition software that offers internet navigation, itunes control, create your own speech commands, voice search and many other great features. Most features are free! It’s called tazti speech recognition. The url is : http://www.tazti.com